May 8th, 2021. I was fifteen years old. The day that I started my first job as a bagger (technically called a “courtesy clerk”) at the Kroger in Mount Vernon, Ohio. I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and eager to take on more responsibly while also earning a paycheck. Granted, on that day, the only “work” that I did was computer-training, (i.e. safety training, Code ADAM, advice on how to bag groceries, etc.) but this nonetheless marked the beginning of what was to be an interesting job.
Today, I am still employed at the Kroger company, and the last five and a half years have been a whirlwind. I have had good times, sad times, angry times, and hilarious times that still make me smile. As I reflect back, here are some things that I have learned while working a customer service job:
- I never want to clean a public bathroom EVER again
When I was still considered a bagger (from around 2021-2024), one of the responsibilities I had for almost every shift was cleaning the bathrooms within the store, which included 2 sets of employee-only bathrooms, and 1 set of public bathrooms. At first, I didn’t mind cleaning them. I tend to enjoy tasks that are specific and detail-orientated, and so I liked taking my time to clean each bathroom. However, as time went on, I became sick of it. It seemed like I was the only employee chosen every week for this job, rather than being selected every couple of shifts. As well, there were some unspeakable acts that occurred in those bathrooms (mainly the public set, as the employee ones weren’t too bad). I won’t say too much, other than there were multiple times where I have had to clean human excrement off the floors, walls, toilet, and just about every other surface. That alone is the main factor of why I never want to clean a public bathroom again–but it’s helpful to know that I would not survive working in healthcare! Thankfully, I have moved up the ranks in that I have not cleaned a bathroom in at least 2 years, and I never will again. I now know my limits.Â
- Some customers don’t understand personal space
I am a person that loves physical affection. I love giving and getting hugs from my family, friends, and significant others. I think it is a great way to express your love for someone. However, I do not like it when customers touch me, even if they have good intentions. Nowadays, my main position at work is a SCO (self-checkout) cashier, where I stand at the self-checkout counter and help customers to use them. At times, I have gotten some customers who are so happy or enthusiastic that they’ll pat my shoulder, pat my arm, or try to give me a mini-hug. While I understand that they are trying to be nice, I am uncomfortable by the fact that someone who I do not know is invading my personal space.Â
- The job itself is very flexible
Though I have expressed two negatives, a positive of working at a grocery store is that it is designed to be very flexible, and so are the managers. All of them are super accommodating and understanding when it comes to scheduling me on certain days and the hours I can work. I have never had a problem (and hopefully never will) with scheduling, and I am thankful that I don’t have to worry about working during periods when I am unavailable.Â
- Working during the holidays can be stressful and insane
I have a love-hate relationship with working during the holidays. Usually, the store is busy which makes shifts go by faster, plus the extra holiday pay is a bonus. But the busy atmosphere means that customers can be grumpy, in a hurry, sad, or just about every other emotion there is. I remember one year, a customer was very rude to our main boss, and after receiving help, she looked exasperated. More recently, when I worked last Christmas Eve, I had to separate two customers who were about to fight each other–a first in my customer service career. Not to mention those who come at the very last minute. All this to say that I am happy to help out customers no matter what, but as a quick tip: plan out your holiday shopping trip accordingly; it will be better for employees and shoppers in the long run.
I could tell so many more stories about my time working at Kroger, but it has been nonetheless rewarding. I have gained valuable knowledge on customer service and other relevant knowledge I hope to apply in my future career in law. I am appreciative of all of my co-workers, managers, store managers, and regular customers. I hope to continue with this job for at least another couple of years, and anticipate many more memories I will make along the way.
